Unfortunately the first reviews are really bad... keyboard, trackpad, screen density seem to be subpar for a regular Ubuntu desktop experience...

Where are you seeing those reviews, fpp??

Well, I didn't put in a link right away because the only factual and detailed review I've seen to date is in French.

All I've found in English are vague Engadget-style blog posts with opinions based on pictures.

But this is from an actual hands-on session during IFA, done by a *very* reputable French site, whose buying advice and testing methodology have gained quite a following here over the years.

These guys, just like us, really wanted to *like* that widget beforehand, so it troubles me to see them come away so disappointed, and with precise arguments to back up that impression.

One can always hope the demo item was a preproduction model, and that some of the cons may be corrected before general availability... but this is probably not something I'd buy without having actually seen it beforehand, which makes it an iffy proposition if it stays "Japan-only" in the great Sharp tradition.

FYI, today, I received my Netwalker (Black) from a fellow Zauruster...

So far, I'm quite pleased with the Netwalker and find it to be better than I had expected given the reviews...

Very nice piece of hardware, has the Sharp build quality that we Zauruster's like and if you compare it to a clamshell Zaurus then I think it compares quite favorably; built-in WiFi, fullsize standard USB port, bit larger than Zaurus so, easier to read display and larger keys (yes, they rock, but it's OK...you get used to it...), and yet it fits comfortably in the inside coat pocket of my jacket...so, very light and portable....

WiFi worked great right away and so did my Apple USB ethernet adapter....

Also, think it's great to have an OS like Ubuntu instead of Qtopia and hopefully, there will be OS updates periodically....

All in all, think this is definitely a worthy successor to the Zaurus...

Think it would be great to see more interest in it around here....

Meanwhile, I'm trying to connect with anyone who has taken the plunge and bought a Netwalker so that we can share experiences and info..will make a separate post on the forum about this....have connected with someone in Germany and France so far and hope to find other Netwalkeristas.....

Thought of calling our group, NUTS, for Netwalker User Testing Society, as you probably need to be a bit nuts to get one, but what the heck....

So far, I'm quite pleased with the Netwalker and find it to be better than I had expected given the reviews...

thanks for posting. is quite interesting.. I am wondering what to replace my stolen C3100 with, and there is so much choice at the moment; I've strongly considered the nokia n900 but it's too small, and the Z1 is a better size for how I use a mobile device.

So far, I'm quite pleased with the Netwalker and find it to be better than I had expected given the reviews...

thanks for posting. is quite interesting.. I am wondering what to replace my stolen C3100 with, and there is so much choice at the moment; I've strongly considered the nokia n900 but it's too small, and the Z1 is a better size for how I use a mobile device.

You're welcome....I agree about N900, nice, but too small for my ol' eyes, I find the Z1 to be just right size, display is sharp and readable, easy to read webpages, etc...

Picked up a N900 for $425 US, mint. Love the device, keyboard blows compared to the Zaurus or the Universal I was using but one makes compromises. The 3G always connected option for a linux terminal is awesome. I love the UI and for the most part I feel I am already familiar with the OS, as its a derivative of debian. Screen size isn't a huge issue in a phone/ mid for me, if I want horsepower and a 4.5" screen the Sony UX280 I have is more than capable. Just grab it out of the bad I take to work, but for breaks and quick jaunts onto the net etc ... the N900's been a winner for me.

I left the Z due to its lack of true connectivity without wifi hotspots and in the end lack luster playback of various media when compared to my universal. I left the Universal because of the slow G speed I am locked too in the US.